[MAG]

John, the "static" voltage will be the same at each point of the ignition circuit as long as the points are OPEN and ignition switch ON. In this case , points OPEN, Ign. switch ON, 12v will be on the input to the coil primary, 12v. on output of the coil primary, 12v on input of the resistor, 12v on output of the resistor, 12v on the movable point contact.

When the points CLOSE, 12v will be on the input to the col primary, 6 v on output coil primary, 6v on the input of the resistor, 0v on the output of the resistor, 0v on the movable point contact. This scenario places the resistor after the coil. The electrons in this circuit do not care if the resistor is before or after the coil. It wiil work fine either way. If your resistor is before the coil, simply change the sentence accordingly.

The voltage readings are based on the values of the coil primary and the resistor and assume that the resistance values are the same in both components.

Bear in mind that the voltage changes mentioned are happening very fast with the engine running and cannot be accurately measured with a volt-ohm meter. With an O-scope they can be easily measured and seen. Not running, the voltages would be as indicated. But dont't leave it that way very long as the coil and resistor will heat up rapidly and can cause damage to them. Hope this helps.